Media Release

30 September 2009

Indonesia to Witness First-hand Australia’s Marine Pollution Response

Indonesian officials will travel to Darwin this week to observe, first-hand, Australia’s comprehensive response to the Montara wellhead oil and gas leak, which has occurred in Australian waters.

“The purpose of this visit is for Indonesian officials to learn about all aspects of Australia’s marine pollution response. We are confident that our response will effectively minimise the possibility of harm to the marine environment,” said Charge d’Affairs Paul Robilliard.

“Consistent with international best practice, Australian authorities are applying a non-toxic dispersant to the oil which speeds up its natural break-down. After the oil has broken down there remains an “oil sheen” on the water, which by itself is not harmful. We are also conducting daily aerial surveillance to track and respond to any leaked oil and daily operations to collect and contain the oil” he said.

“We advised Indonesian authorities soon after the oil leak occurred and will continue to keep Indonesia closely informed. We are committed to working with Indonesia to protect the marine environment” he said.

The Montara platform is located in Australian waters and began leaking oil and gas on 21 August 2009. A drill rig has recently arrived at the platform in order to drill a relief well to stop the flow of oil. Australia’s response to the incident has been successful in breaking down the oil and minimising the likelihood of any environmental impact.

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